The Purpose of Joy

PURPOSE

By Rev. David Bonnema, February 13, 2022

9:30am

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Opening Songs - “Your Love Awakens Me”/“Holy Spirit” - Emma Georgeson

Children’s Message - Bailey Beam

Sermon - “The Purpose of Joy”

Joy is our natural reaction to the of God.

Our first example of biblical joy comes from a parable that Jesus tells.

Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he puts it on his shoulders and goes home. -Luke 15:4b-6a

Who are the spiritually lost?

I tell you that in the same way there will be more in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. -Luke 15:7

Our second example of biblical joy comes from Paul and the Thessalonians.

For now we really live, since you are standing in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?  -1 Thessalonians 3:8-9

Be a detective— look for God at work in the world and search for ways you see people growing in their faith. Then rejoice!

Introduction to Offering - Rev. Dana Seiler

Offering Song - “Dancing on the Waves”

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Closing Song - “Nothing But the Blood”

Benediction


11:00am

Prelude - Jeff Perks

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Call to Worship Rev. Dana Seiler

Leader: In times of darkness and fear, God is here to love and guide us.

People: Come, O God, and fill our hearts with love.

Leader: In times of joy and dancing, God is here in celebration.

People: Come, O God, and fill our lives with gladness.

Leader: At all times and in all places, God is here with us - sustaining, healing, and loving us.

People: Come, O God, and fill our spirits with joy.

Hymn - “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” - #464

Prayer of Confession

Father God, we come to You today rejoicing in all the good that is in our lives. We enjoy our prosperity, our freedom, our cars and our homes and our comfortable lives. We enjoy it so much that often it leads us to selfishness, hoarding things for ourselves and not sharing what we have with others. Forgive us when we miss the opportunity to lavish generosity on those around us. Remind us that all that we have comes from You, O God, and is meant for all Your people. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Children’s Message - Bailey Beam

Anthem - “Circle of Praise” by Choplin - Unity Choir

Sermon - “The Purpose of Joy”

Joy is our natural reaction to the of God.

Our first example of biblical joy comes from a parable that Jesus tells.

Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he puts it on his shoulders and goes home. -Luke 15:4b-6a

Who are the spiritually lost?

I tell you that in the same way there will be more in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. -Luke 15:7

Our second example of biblical joy comes from Paul and the Thessalonians.

For now we really live, since you are standing in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?  -1 Thessalonians 3:8-9

Be a detective— look for God at work in the world and search for ways you see people growing in their faith. Then rejoice!

Introduction to Offering

Anthem - “Ain’a That Good News” - Unity Choir

Doxology

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Hymn - “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”

Benediction

Postlude